Academic Affairs

Policy Title

Faculty Ethics

Policy Description

The Winthrop University faculty endorses the following statements of ethics:

The faculty, guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognizes the special responsibilities placed upon its members. The primary faculty responsibility is to seek and to state the truth as one sees it. To this end, faculty members should devote their energies to developing and improving scholarly competence, understanding the obligation to exercise critical self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and transmitting knowledge. Faculty members practice intellectual honesty. Although one may follow subsidiary interests, these interests must never seriously hamper or compromise freedom of inquiry.

As a teacher, the faculty member encourages the free pursuit of learning by students. Faculty members hold before them the best scholarly standards of their discipline, demonstrate respect for the student as an individual, and adhere to the proper role as intellectual guide and counselor. Faculty members make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to assure that evaluation of students reflects their true merit. Faculty members respect the confidential nature of the relationship between professor and student, avoid any exploitation of students for private advantage, and acknowledge significant assistance from them. Faculty members observe academic freedom of students.

As a colleague, the faculty member has obligations that derive from common membership in the community of scholars. Faculty members respect and defend the free inquiry of associates. In the exchange of criticism and ideas, faculty members show due respect to associates and respect for the opinions of others. Faculty members acknowledge academic debts and strive to be objective in the professional judgment of colleagues. Faculty members accept a share of faculty responsibilities for the governance of the institution. ( See General Conduct Policy)

As a member of the institution, the faculty member seeks, above all, to be an effective teacher and scholar. Although faculty members should observe the stated regulations of the institution, provided they do not contravene academic freedom, each should maintain the right to criticize and seek revision. Faculty members determine the amount and character of work to be done outside the institution with due regard to their paramount responsibilities within it. When considering the interruption or termination of service, faculty members recognize the effect of any such decision upon the program of the institution and give due notice of intention.

As a member of the community, the faculty member has the rights and obligations of any citizen. Faculty members measure the urgency of these obligations in the light of responsibilities to their disciplines, students, profession, and institution. As a citizen engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, the faculty member has a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom.